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Speed · 5 January 2016, 10:01 AM

Hi All

I've been looking at this Grand Seiko - it does not appear to be available in the US - a fair bit.

It is not a Hi Beat, which I was originally thinking of but I like the simple design AND 36mm size is attractive to me. I miss having the old Date Just size around.

It's manual wind with a pretty (albeit basic) movement as well.

The modern Hi Beats at 40mm feel a little large / clunky...and are much more expensive.

These go for about $3k...though I'm not sure if I will take a hit with import duty if I buy online.

Any thoughts - primarily from owners - or others who considered this model and bought it...or a different Grand Seiko on strap??

Thanks and Happy New Year

Photos borrowed.

Highland Ranger · 5 January 2016, 10:20 AM

Classic. Bought my first GS last year - haven't taken it off yet.

Speed · 5 January 2016, 10:21 AM

Cool. Which one did you pick up?

Air Tzar · 5 January 2016, 10:50 AM

I really like many GS models, this one included.

My worry is always resale - I see them sit and sit on the sales forums across the web, even at substantial discounts from MSRP.

Speed · 5 January 2016, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air Tzar

I really like many GS models, this one included.

My worry is always resale - I see them sit and sit on the sales forums across the web, even at substantial discounts from MSRP.

Ah. Yes. I have not seen this model listed used before...save for an old TRF listing at around $2700-2900.

Not too bad.

Air Tzar · 5 January 2016, 12:18 PM

Sounds reasonable. If you love it go for it!

GB-man · 5 January 2016, 01:41 PM

Looks real nice

drhr · 5 January 2016, 01:55 PM

I liked it well enough, coulda been my listing you saw, excellent quality for the money, buy it used and save some . . .

Slider817 · 5 January 2016, 02:09 PM

i want to share my thought process that ended in the purchase of a GS Quartz 37mm.

I was intrigued by the brand, their innovation and pursuit of excellen with very little pretense, immaculate dials and I like their dress watch look.

I wanted to get something unique to GS, their standard hand wound movement didn't really offer much, the High Beat was more interesting, but there are other brands that make good Hi beat movements, so it left me with the Spring drive or the Best Quartz movement available, the SD was interesting, but i couldn't fully wrap my head around the spring drive not being a fully mechanical watch, so why not just go for Quartz perfection by the brand that pioneered the technology, I'm very happy with my watch, I purchased the GS leather strap and deployant buckle, as I think the bracelet looks cheap.

A few years later, I'm warming up to Spring drive technology, and the GS Chronograph is calling me.

Speed · 5 January 2016, 02:56 PM

I don't see these come up much.

And power sellers don't carry them.

Any idea what % duty may get tacked on in an online purchase from Japan?

Hmm don't thinking could do Quartz 🙄

DCheeta · 5 January 2016, 03:57 PM

I want to pick up this or a similar model, but I've never seen one in person. I plan to check them out and probably buy one in Tokyo next month. If I do, I'll come back and report in.

Wesley Crusher · 5 January 2016, 04:18 PM

That's a nice looking watch. The movement finishing appears to be excellent for the price.

I like GS quite a bit, but have you looked into the OP? The new 36mm and 39mm models are really nice (and fairly inexpensive). If you're looking for a moderately sized, basic watch, the OP definitely checks all the boxes and you get Rolex quality and resale value to boot.

dera · 5 January 2016, 05:11 PM

The import duty is roughly 3pct, so a complete non issue.
Great brand, and when bought from Japan, wont depreciate that badly given the inflated US msrp.

Speed · 5 January 2016, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

That's a nice looking watch. The movement finishing appears to be excellent for the price.

I like GS quite a bit, but have you looked into the OP? The new 36mm and 39mm models are really nice (and fairly inexpensive). If you're looking for a moderately sized, basic watch, the OP definitely checks all the boxes and you get Rolex quality and resale value to boot.

Thanks

Really wanted something different...If I wanted a Rolex I'd look to an older DJ

Speed · 5 January 2016, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dera

The import duty is roughly 3pct, so a complete non issue.
Great brand, and when bought from Japan, wont depreciate that badly given the inflated US msrp.

Thanks!

No one has been able to confirm that for me.

Speed · 6 January 2016, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drhr

I liked it well enough, coulda been my listing you saw, excellent quality for the money, buy it used and save some . . .

Awesome photos BTW!

Thanks

PJ S · 6 January 2016, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slider817

…the SD was interesting, but i couldn’t fully wrap my head around the spring drive not being a fully mechanical watch, so why not just go for Quartz perfection by the brand that pioneered the technology…

A Spring Drive movement is pretty much fully mechanical, bar the escapement and regulator components.
As for Seiko being the pioneers of quartz – not exactly true.
They pioneered mass production and use of synthetic quartz, but the first proponents of quartz technology were the Swiss, with Girard Perregaux being the one to set the frequency standard by which all quartz watches have adhered to since.
It was Seiko who mass produced and drove the price down of quartz watches, which then set off the quartz revolution.

PJ S · 6 January 2016, 01:46 AM

For the benefit of anyone looking at getting a Grand Seiko, here’s a breakdown of the model codes.

SBGA – Spring Drive
SBGC – SD Chronograph

SBGR – Automatic
SBGM/SBGE – Automatic GMT

SBGH – Hi Beat Automatic
SBGJ – Hi Beat GMT

SBGX/SBGV/SBGT – Quartz

SBGW – Manual hand wound

No low beat sub-dial seconds – Seiko don’t accept it as suitable for the long-standing philosophy that Grand Seiko was founded on…displaying time in the clearest manner possible.
For this reason, sadly, we’re unlikely to ever see moonphase or annual/perpetual calendar complications within the GS range, and as Credor is still very much a JDM line, with lower production numbers than Grand Seiko, it’s highly unlikely to come from there either.

bdex75 · 6 January 2016, 01:52 AM

I love manual wind watches. I currently have 4. And I really like GS a lot. Have never owned one but that one is beautiful.

I was looking at a snowflake dialed spring drive personally. Just love the dial.

This one in particular. Pic borrowed from C24

These are the two that currently fill my "dressier" manual wind spot in the collection. If you like the German design they are great options. And around the same price range as the GS you posted.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Speed · 6 January 2016, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJ S

For the benefit of anyone looking at getting a Grand Seiko, here’s a breakdown of the model codes.

SBGA – Spring Drive
SBGC – SD Chronograph

SBGR – Automatic
SBGM/SBGE – Automatic GMT

SBGH – Hi Beat Automatic
SBGJ – Hi Beat GMT

SBGX/SBGV/SBGT – Quartz

SBGW – Manual hand wound

No low beat sub-dial seconds – Seiko don’t accept it as suitable for the long-standing philosophy that Grand Seiko was founded on…displaying time in the clearest manner possible.
For this reason, sadly, we’re unlikely to ever see moonphase or annual/perpetual calendar complications within the GS range, and as Credor is still very much a JDM line, with lower production numbers than Grand Seiko, it’s highly unlikely to come from there either.

Cool.

Nice chart to have!

Speed · 6 January 2016, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJ S

These are the two that currently fill my "dressier" manual wind spot in the collection. If you like the German design they are great options. And around the same price range as the GS you posted.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ive looked at NOMOS...but of the German watches, I like ALS (different price point I know), Sowa and Sinn.

The Seiko just seems more appealing fit / finish wise (not Vs. ALS )

Gasoil4ever · 6 January 2016, 03:45 AM

Awesome watch !

dera · 6 January 2016, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed

Thanks!

No one has been able to confirm that for me.

What confirmation do you need?

PJ S · 6 January 2016, 05:38 AM

Presumably the import duty amount.

locutus49 · 6 January 2016, 05:43 AM

I'd go with a used Rolex date just.

Speed · 6 January 2016, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dera

What confirmation do you need?

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJ S

Presumably the import duty amount.

Yup. That was it. If it is 3%, that's not too bad.

Speed · 6 January 2016, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by locutus49

I'd go with a used Rolex date just.

Ha ha.

I had a DJ in the past...

This one has a slightly different appeal for a non- Rolex.

Highland Ranger · 6 January 2016, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed

Cool. Which one did you pick up?

Hi-beat gmt

Speed · 6 January 2016, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highland Ranger

Hi-beat gmt

PJ S · 6 January 2016, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed

Cool.

Nice chart to have!

No problem.
I forgot a couple…

SBGB001 and 003 – two only (afaik and so far) of a SD Chronograph with conservative style pushers.
Cheaper too with the 3-piece (supposedly sporty) bracelet.

SBGL – Automatic with PR indicator and 9S67 movement.

SBGL015 (50 piece Ltd Ed Green ‘fern’ dial)

SBGL019 (30 piece LE)

Of course, would’ve just been easier to link these instead!

http://www.tempusdomains.com/index.php?cat=81&page=1
http://www.watchprosite.com/?page=wf...3&pzt=&dv=true – missing SBGL017 & 19

5 January 2016, 10:01 AM	#1
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,695	Thoughts on SS Grand Seiko SBGW031 Hi All I've been looking at this Grand Seiko - it does not appear to be available in the US - a fair bit. It is not a Hi Beat, which I was originally thinking of but I like the simple design AND 36mm size is attractive to me. I miss having the old Date Just size around. It's manual wind with a pretty (albeit basic) movement as well. The modern Hi Beats at 40mm feel a little large / clunky...and are much more expensive. These go for about $3k...though I'm not sure if I will take a hit with import duty if I buy online. Any thoughts - primarily from owners - or others who considered this model and bought it...or a different Grand Seiko on strap?? Thanks and Happy New Year Photos borrowed.

5 January 2016, 10:50 AM	#4
Air Tzar "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Andy Location: Out West Watch: 114060 Posts: 206	I really like many GS models, this one included. My worry is always resale - I see them sit and sit on the sales forums across the web, even at substantial discounts from MSRP. __________________ "It's hard to find the proper adjectives to describe the Submariner. It's the watch that can both begin and end a collection. It's the watch that you can wear every single day of your life and not worry about, or it's the watch you can put in a safe and have it rise in value year after year. The Submariner is, in my belief, the quintessential timepiece for many. When my mind thinks of the word 'watch,' it is a Submariner I see."

5 January 2016, 12:18 PM	#6
Air Tzar "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Andy Location: Out West Watch: 114060 Posts: 206	Sounds reasonable. If you love it go for it! __________________ "It's hard to find the proper adjectives to describe the Submariner. It's the watch that can both begin and end a collection. It's the watch that you can wear every single day of your life and not worry about, or it's the watch you can put in a safe and have it rise in value year after year. The Submariner is, in my belief, the quintessential timepiece for many. When my mind thinks of the word 'watch,' it is a Submariner I see."

6 January 2016, 03:45 AM	#22
Gasoil4ever "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Cameroun Watch: GS Snowflake Posts: 1,534	Awesome watch ! __________________ 16710 GMT Master II "M" , SD4000, GS Snowflake, Stowa Marine Original.

5 January 2016, 10:20 AM	#2
Highland Ranger "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA Posts: 573	Classic. Bought my first GS last year - haven't taken it off yet.

5 January 2016, 10:21 AM	#3
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,695	Cool. Which one did you pick up?

5 January 2016, 01:41 PM	#7
GB-man 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: USA Watch: addiction issues Posts: 36,864	Looks real nice

5 January 2016, 02:09 PM	#9
Slider817 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Real Name: William Location: New York Watch: Journe, AP & Lange Posts: 868	i want to share my thought process that ended in the purchase of a GS Quartz 37mm. I was intrigued by the brand, their innovation and pursuit of excellen with very little pretense, immaculate dials and I like their dress watch look. I wanted to get something unique to GS, their standard hand wound movement didn't really offer much, the High Beat was more interesting, but there are other brands that make good Hi beat movements, so it left me with the Spring drive or the Best Quartz movement available, the SD was interesting, but i couldn't fully wrap my head around the spring drive not being a fully mechanical watch, so why not just go for Quartz perfection by the brand that pioneered the technology, I'm very happy with my watch, I purchased the GS leather strap and deployant buckle, as I think the bracelet looks cheap. A few years later, I'm warming up to Spring drive technology, and the GS Chronograph is calling me.

5 January 2016, 02:56 PM	#10
Speed "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA Posts: 19,695	I don't see these come up much. And power sellers don't carry them. Any idea what % duty may get tacked on in an online purchase from Japan? Hmm don't thinking could do Quartz 🙄

5 January 2016, 03:57 PM	#11
DCheeta "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: Dave Location: NYC Posts: 7,180	I want to pick up this or a similar model, but I've never seen one in person. I plan to check them out and probably buy one in Tokyo next month. If I do, I'll come back and report in.

5 January 2016, 04:18 PM	#12
Wesley Crusher "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Real Name: Wes Location: Holosuite Posts: 6,345	That's a nice looking watch. The movement finishing appears to be excellent for the price. I like GS quite a bit, but have you looked into the OP? The new 36mm and 39mm models are really nice (and fairly inexpensive). If you're looking for a moderately sized, basic watch, the OP definitely checks all the boxes and you get Rolex quality and resale value to boot.

5 January 2016, 05:11 PM	#13
dera "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 1,372	The import duty is roughly 3pct, so a complete non issue. Great brand, and when bought from Japan, wont depreciate that badly given the inflated US msrp.

6 January 2016, 01:46 AM	#18
PJ S Banned Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: UK Posts: 3,990	For the benefit of anyone looking at getting a Grand Seiko, here’s a breakdown of the model codes. SBGA – Spring Drive SBGC – SD Chronograph SBGR – Automatic SBGM/SBGE – Automatic GMT SBGH – Hi Beat Automatic SBGJ – Hi Beat GMT SBGX/SBGV/SBGT – Quartz SBGW – Manual hand wound No low beat sub-dial seconds – Seiko don’t accept it as suitable for the long-standing philosophy that Grand Seiko was founded on…displaying time in the clearest manner possible. For this reason, sadly, we’re unlikely to ever see moonphase or annual/perpetual calendar complications within the GS range, and as Credor is still very much a JDM line, with lower production numbers than Grand Seiko, it’s highly unlikely to come from there either.

6 January 2016, 01:52 AM	#19
bdex75 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Brandon Location: Indianapolis Watch: my money vanish Posts: 8,506	I love manual wind watches. I currently have 4. And I really like GS a lot. Have never owned one but that one is beautiful. I was looking at a snowflake dialed spring drive personally. Just love the dial. This one in particular. Pic borrowed from C24 These are the two that currently fill my "dressier" manual wind spot in the collection. If you like the German design they are great options. And around the same price range as the GS you posted. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

6 January 2016, 05:38 AM	#24
PJ S Banned Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: UK Posts: 3,990	Presumably the import duty amount.

6 January 2016, 05:43 AM	#25
locutus49 Banned Join Date: May 2014 Real Name: John Location: La Jolla, CA Watch: Platona Posts: 12,194	I'd go with a used Rolex date just.

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